A 25-year-old man, Raji Ridwan has confessed to attempting to take advantage of a 17-year-old university student blaming the cold weather for his actions.
The incident occurred in Ila-Orangun, Osun State. According to reports by Vanguard, Ridwan forcibly entered the room of a 200-level student of the Federal University of Health and Science after she rejected his attempt to start a conversation.
Narrating the event, Ridwan admitted, “I ran after her and banged straight into the room. But the girl held my clothes tight and was shouting, which attracted neighbours, and I found a way to run away from the room.”
His confession has since drawn widespread condemnation. The teenager’s cries alerted nearby residents, causing Ridwan to flee the scene before he could be apprehended, however a report was made to local authorities, leading to his eventual arrest.
Ridwan later claimed that the cold weather influenced his decision, saying he lost control in the moment. “It was the cold. I don’t know what came over me,” he told investigators.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the suspect is in custody and will be charged in accordance with the law. A spokesperson for the command assured the public that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness.
Meanwhile, the victim is reportedly safe and receiving emotional and psychological support. Student groups and women’s rights advocates have condemned the act and called for increased campus security.
Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious behaviour promptly to prevent similar incidents.
